Learn to Hand Weave
I have been a weaver for over 30 years now and one of the greatest joys and a highlight of that journey is sharing the art and process of textile weaving with others. Hand weaving is a sustainable and mindful practice, an opportunity to create beautiful, useful, and lasting cloth for warmth and style. More and more people are joining my workshops, many continuing their practice by getting their own looms and becoming weavers themselves. Some come for the 2 day experience, others to begin their weaving journey, and to be with others during this creative process as we weave together in a shared space. My workshops are perfect for beginners and are also great for those that have woven before and are interested in expanding their skills.
Workshops
Loom Workshop – 2 days What to expect at your workshop:
DAY 1 – We start by discussing the hand weaving process and possibilities, then choosing colours for your weaving. Designing and making your warp comes next, and for the rest of the day you will learn to thread your warp onto a beautiful 4 shaft table loom.
DAY 2 – WEAVING the fun part!! There is an opportunity to share favorite textiles then it’s down to weaving for the rest of the day. Choosing your weft colours and weaving designs, then incorporating your ideas as you weave during the day.
There is a maximum of 6 weavers at each group workshop and the process is suitable for all, experienced and new weavers. We weave with PURE WOOLS grown in Aotearoa – it is a warm, breathable, fire safe and generous yarn that is sustainable and beautiful to work with and safe for the environment as a woven garment. I hand dye most of the yarns, when you book you can let me know preferred shades, or just decide on the day. We stop for a delicious vegetarian lunch and a break about 12.30 each day. Tuition, lunch and all materials are provided.
If you have attended a workshop with me before you can weave more complicated patterns at your next workshop. Please ask when you book in and we can discuss the possibilities!
The group workshops are currently held at the Titirangi Steiner School in Laingholm, Auckland. The school has a great range of weaving looms and equipment and provides hand weaving to their year 10 and 11 students. I have been assisting in these classes for about 5 years, and part of the fees from each of my workshops goes towards handwork education at the school.
Tapestry Workshop – 1 day
Join me to explore tapestry weaving! Learn essential stitches and techniques while creating a wall hanging, table mat, or a unique piece to wear. We will be using colourful chunky hand dyed NZ wool yarns and beautiful vintage tapestry yarns, weaving on Ashford looms.
All materials, use of a loom and a light lunch are included. There is an option of purchasing your loom which will come with yarns to get you started on your next weave.
Personal Accelerator Session I come to your home or studio and help you set up and develop your weaving practice. One on one tutoring covering setting up your loom, making a couple of warps (yarns included), threading your loom and discussing possibilities in yarns and patterns and weaving techniques. Notes of the weaving process are also provided. If you have already have a weaving practice, extending this with new learning techniques.
Materials
I weave exclusively with natural fibers, and in my hand weaving workshops we use wool yarns sourced solely from mills and farms in Aotearoa. Merino, polwarth, awapara, alpaca and possum merino when it is available, mostly hand dyed by me in a full range of hues.
